User reviews

The Doom Generation is an art film trying to please the audience that its making fun of. It has gratuitous violence and is pretty much a soft core porn. The dialog is poor at best. But these are the things that make it a "good" film. The movie is basically taking to task generation X, I mean there is after all a character named "X" who leads the two other "innocent" characters down the road to hell. The gratuitous violence is suppose to highlight the characters apathy toward fellow human beings. In the string of murders and violence that ensues the only time the 3 of them show remorse or concern is when they hit a dog on the road. They end the dogs suffering and bury it! And Amy says something to the effect of "Life Sucks".Out of all the human death they only show concern for themselves and the effect it will have on them, i.e. getting caught, but they all suffer for the poor dogs death. The sex, voyeurism, partner swapping etc. are just examples of more apathy and general selfishness-if it feels good do it. But your not even sure if it feels good because towards the end when the climax of violence is happening nobody seems overly upset that the sex has taken such a bad turn. Maybe Perry Farrel's earlier cameo is to get you to keep in mind the Jane's addiction lyric "... sex is violence"? Any way I could ramble on maybe I'm so brimming with insight because the first time I saw it I was high and then on finally re-watching it I was truly frightened by how many friends I have fit the film's stereotypes

A quirky comedy (?) that takes a dark turn at the end. I can't quite tell if The Doom Generation is good or bad. Regardless, I quite enjoyed this wonky ride of a movie.

It contains very questionable acting and pacing but this movie is undoubtably entertaining and begging to be endlessly quoted. That dark ending really comes out of nowhere with very little build up. But it showcases that we live in a society, mannnn.

When all is said and done I can't quite say this is a masterpiece but I also can't say I didn't enjoy myself. A cult classic indeed, and one that kinda needs to be seen to be believed.

This was one of the strangest movie I've ever seen, but at the same time, one of the most meaningful. This was a good movie. There was a sadistic violence, a bunch of sex scenes, vulgarity, more graphic violence, more sex, a three way, and an incredibly sad, tragic ending.

If you are able to look past all this (many people cannot, mind you), than you will see a good movie about three teenage tortured souls cruising along the urban pits of Los Angeles, who run into a crazy clerk with a shotgun, a crazy drive thru attendant with a shotgun, a nasty blonde with a sword, and some really scary Neo Nazis, who all think Amy Blue is someone else.

Rose McGowen is Amy Blue, the sexy, angry, speed taking, tough as nails lead character, James Duval is Amy's naive, stoner boyfriend Jordan White, and Johnathon Schaech was Xavier Red, the crazy, dangerous, kinky, and violent source of trouble. If you have a strong stomach, and don't mind harshly sad endings, check it out, but be aware, because you might get grossed out and leave (I almost did). 9/10

It definitely seems so and as most sequels, it's worse than the original (and keep in mind that Natural Born Killers is no masterpiece). Doom Generation wants desperately to be cool, but most times it gets plain dumb. Some nice angles and cuts make the direction the most interesting part of the film. Don't look for a particular message, there's no such thing inside, even if the trailer wants this to be a 90s landmark (which raised my expectations and subsequently the tone of my criticism). The producers resort to the refuge of the uninspired, sex and violence, to make the film bearable.

The opening credits claim this is a `heterosexual' movie by Gregg Araki… Now that statement is still open for discussion. Something that isn't open of discussion is the fact Araki created one of the meanest, most good-looking pieces of trash of the 90's! Imagine yourself a lesser-hyped version of `Natural Born Killers' and exclude that last bit of political correctness. It seems like Araki was testing how far he could go…and then cheerfully exaggerated some more. The Doom Generation is a speed-driven and absurd road movie against all forms of good taste. A young couple, accompanied by a trigger-happy madman, faces the most eccentric situations and deal with the most extravagant characters. The film contains a lot of violence but even more absurd and demoralizing humor, so the whole thing never really becomes disturbing or provocative. Lots of naughty language and nudity, though! Rose McGowan's character Amy is the closest thing to a cult/trash queen we saw in the 90's and her naked body is always a joy to behold. James Duvall (sort of like Araki's lead in his entire teenage-alienation trilogy) is terrific as the confused teenager with the `whatever' attitude! Gregg Araki's visions are downright brilliant from time to time. Many people don't seem to think so (just check the other comments around here) but his film is extremely stylish and a perfect portrayal of a pop culture generation. Heck, even his colorful slang – which includes a whole dictionary of genitalia synonyms – alone is worth the effort. The Doom Generation is one the most special films of the past decade and it really deserves the cult-followings it developed over the years. Check it out if you're open-minded, not quickly offended and not faint of heart!

Well at first glance this movies seems to be a piece of trash and not made very well. But if you can keep enough of an open mind and pay attention to the work that actualy is put into this movie. It is obvious that's what they meant to do. So inturn its quite a well written and acted movie. This is definitly one you should see if you are into dark sick humor. Quite an interesting sequence of events.:)

This is one of the most monumentally pointless movies I've ever seen. Many have said that this is a dark look at youth, or that it is a daring indie film, and similar diagnoses. However, it's really just a movie for all the Beavis and Butthead fans out there, for whom plenty of sex and a bit of gunplay makes a film.

The utter trashiness of this movie is found in the whole 666 gag. Whenever the protagonists purchase something at a store, the bill totals $6.66. That basically sums up this movie's ambition to be daring and rebellious, but exposes how pathetic these attempts are.

Everyone who has branded this movie as dark and daring probably just read the tagline.

Maybe that's what makes this movie so 'daring.' I suppose that, in a way, making a pathetically bad film is daring, especially when you put your name on it.

Simply put, watching this movie is a painful experience. Hopefully it will claim it's rightful place on the bottom 100 before long. However, maybe that's too good for it.

Gregg Araki's THE DOOM GENERATION is reminiscent of everything from MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO to THE RIVER'S EDGE to TRUE ROMANCE to the experimental films of Pasolini, of Warhol (Morrisey), as well as of Richard Kern. The film reveals its thematic message when the most innocent and selfless of its three main characters asks the other, more self-centered, two if they ever think about the meaning of existence. Dismissing the very question, they reveal to the questioner an answer of sorts, one which suggests that we each create a meaning for ourselves, and are all existentially alone as we do so.

While offering us a rather slight story of a pair of teen lovers on the road who encounter a slightly older bisexual who becomes their nemesis, companion, lover and protector, THE DOOM GENERATION offers a great deal of visual style and wit, and some genuine moments of suspense. In fact, the film's gory and discomforting climactic scene is perhaps the artistic highlight and suggests some real filmaking talent by writer/director Gregg Araki. This is probably not everyone's cup of tea, but is worth a look for those who like a film which challenges them to react to strong imagery and who don't mind transgressive depictions.

Now, here's a fine example of hard-hitting, 90's Exploitation. Brought to you by Gregg Araki. The Doom Generation is a gritty, super-dismal, often hilarious tale of murder, betrayal, and sleaziness. We begin with a young couple, hanging out at a club, Amy Blue (meth-head), and Jordan White (pot-head). Amy is a vindictive little nightmare, who's just looking for an argument. And Jordan, well, Jordan doesn't do a whole lot of thinking, but is a good guy, who loves Amy, despite her personality issues. Amy and Jordan take it to the car, so they can lose their virginity, but are soon interrupted...

Meet Xavier Red (killer), X for short.

Xavier rudely enters Amy's car, rudely demanding she start driving so that he may live, rudely insulting her, subtly insulting Jordan, but he doesn't mind. Amy on the other hand, is about to blow her top, but at least she has someone to argue with now... no wait, he just went too far. Alright guy!! Out of the car.

Later in the evening, the teenage, odd couple are rescued by their new pal, X from a trigger-happy, convenience store clerk. after X literally blows the mans head off. They all 3, right then and there, decide to take a road trip together, leaving behind everything. The night sure is going to hell, but at least Amy has someone to argue with again, that's what's important. It doesn't take Xavier long to make his intentions clear, with Amy, and despite the fact that she despises him, she's all for it. They don't try all that hard to hide this from Jordan, but it's cool, Jordan doesn't mind, "X seems like a nice guy". Amy doesn't mind Xavier's insults, Jordan doesn't mind that the man is sleeping with his girlfriend, and no one seems to be all that bothered by the fact that X kills someone every time they stop somewhere.

The Doom Generation is harsh, and mean-spirited, and can be ugly, at times, just a swell movie, probably Araki's best. The religious, and apocalyptic metaphors won't go unnoticed, and neither will Rose McGowan, as a foul-mouthed teenager, with a chip on her shoulder, with James Duval's performance making her seem even worse. Some things occur, seemingly with the intention of confusing us, but that's OK, confusion only makes this seem more like exploitation from decades past. For something slightly similar, check out Nowhere... which reminds me, if you ever see both these movies, you might notice that it would be a much better fit if they switched the titles, just a thought. Although, The Doom Generation is deeper than it may seem, it's still a grim good time, with no redeeming qualities, Generation-X-ploitation. 9/10

Bad acting, no plot, pointless, generic, with poor-excuses for unmotivated sex scenes. If you have nothing worth living for, or feel like throwing your life away, watch this movie. I have no idea what people see in this movie. If you have a choice on watching this movie, or a video of a root canal, choose the root canal.

Wow. What a film. This highly enterntaining, slick, fast movie, requires multiple viewings. The more you put in the more you get out. The story is a simple one. A teenage couple, sick of the world, pick up a drifter after a concert at quite a metaphorical venue. They then get dragged through murder, drugs, sex (Highly un-erotic), ya know, the usual. The dreamy, surreal visuals are a delight, and the symbollic use of colours and light are mind-blowing if not hypnotic. Please dont be disgusted, during the first viewing, instead look between the lines, where you will find the truth. I highly recommend this film to anyone who like to ask 'why?'.

This is the first Gregg Araki film I got into. I heard the amazing soundtrack before I had even seen the film which I bought on CD.

The story follows the lives of drifting young adults who are in a wasteland that resembles modern day America wreaking havoc wherever they go. The group encounters a bunch of crazy characters from Nazis to hobos to crazy shotgun wielding convenience store clerks.

Some of it's cheesy and low budget. It's certainly not as good as Natural Born Killers but the movie is good in it's own way.

7/10.

"The Doom Generation" is quite possibly the worst film ever made. I stand by this statement very strongly, for this is the third film I have watched by "director" Greg Araki - "The Living End" and "Nowhere" being the others. Araki has made an offensive, horrendously written (dialogue example: "Shut up hamburger face!" ), poorly directed film in "The Doom Generation." It's one of those pictures that knows it's trying to be cool and wants the younger, angst-ridden generation it attempts to portray to buy into such low-rate shock value(Example: Each time the characters enter a convenience store, someone is killed.). Each of the three leads in the film are completely unlikable and poorly acted and they know it - note the terrible over-acting by James Duval. The word "subliminal" is something Araki needs to look up as he douses his composition with such over-the-top "symbolism" - Every time they order something at the convenience store the price comes to $6.66. Get it? Ho-hum. It's enough to make one puke. Araki has absolutely no respect or passion for his craft and even less for his audience. In a Premiere magazine interview, when asked what advice he would give to young, aspiring filmmakers he responded, "Don't do it." He acts as if to offend his audience is a chore when it is obvious that he wants so desperately to get a rise out of us with such cheap shock-value. All of this is offensive, low-rate drivel. It wants the teen generation to think that they are doomed and to immerse themselves in such fake, melo-dramatic angst. This is a film that wants to give kids an excuse to shoot their classmates. It creates problems that never existed in the first place by romanticizing the alienated attitudes of many teens. This is Araki's only mission in "The Doom Generation." It can be seen just as clear in the aforementioned "The Living End" and "Nowhere." The film is a mess from start to finish, a total hack job. Greg Araki is the an entire level below fimmakers like Ed Wood, who at least had passion for the crap he produced. Hope Araki sleeps well at night. Or let's hope he stops making films... forever.

The Doom Generation completely blew me away, from the first kinetic moment, to it's supercharged and ultra-violent ending. Two teenagers, Amy Blue and Jordan White lie in their car pondering the meaning of love and life when Xavier Red jumps into their car and starts the first of a string of violent happenings. The three embark on an immoral road trip through America, driving wherever the road takes them, and punctuate their journey with brutal murders, and kinky sex. Eventually, they get what they deserve when they run into a gang of crazy nazis.

The Doom Generation features some terrific performances by three very talented young stars, Johnathon Schaech, James DuVall and Rose McGowan (who was brilliant in Strange Hearts and equally enticing here). Generation X director Gregg Araki delivers a gruesome but entertaining look at what can happen when three potentially dangerous teenagers can do when they get very, very bored. The film is directed with a glossy feel and atmosphere, adding to it's overall fun. However, some scenes take it too far, and even I couldn't sit through it without wincing, and I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of people have threwn up while watching it.

I give it 2.5/4

Scaldingly angry and hateful, this is the tale of a trio of young people on a roadtrip to hell. Amy Blue and Jordan White are a teenage couple who have been dating "a really long time" - 3 months. One night Xavier Red jumps in the backseat of Amy's car and leads them on a mad, illicit journey through Greg Arraki's twisted vision of young America. Much has been made of the 'excessive' violence and sex this movie has, but that very excess is part of the point- that pointless excess has led the youth of America down a path where death barely registers, and intimacy doesn't at all. Greg Arraki *likes* these 3 characters. He grieves for the innocence they never even had and the love they try to fashion from the bloody shards of their hearts. And he rages at the widely held and ever-so-patriotic belief that regressing back into intolerance is the answer to America's problems, especially in regards to the young. Maybe he's looking for a third option, one that actually does children good, rather than oppressing them or leaving them to run wild in an irresponsible world. Rose McGowan once stated that Amy, with her sharp tongue and wounded eyes, is Rose herself at 15. Like Amy, Rose suffered a horrible childhood and because she put her fury and pain into her character, any 15-year-old girl who has suffered at the hands of those who are supposed to protect her can relate. Jordan is just adrift. He finds that Amy is having sex with Xavier, and he dismisses it- a soft, honest "whatever, Amy." Xavier plays demon-imp, tormenting and tempting Amy and Jordan headlong into their bleak, surreal adventure. Ultimately this story is Amy's, and the story is about isolation- hence Amy's whispered, matter-of-fact assertion at the beginning that "there's just no place for us in this world", her attempts to connect with both boys in the only way she knows how, and then her unseeing stare at the end.

Jordan White (James Duval) and Amy Blue (Rose McGowan), two troubled teens, pick up an adolescent drifter, Xavier Red. Together, the threesome embark on a sex and violence-filled journey through an America of psychos and quickiemarts.

While this is probably not a good movie, it holds a certain nostalgia value for me. Gregg Araki really struck a nerve with those coming of age in the 1990s who had an interest in the Gothic an industrial music scene. With the inclusion of references to Nine Inch Nails, Ministry and Skinny Puppy, it was perfect for that demographic.

The 1990s had a nihilistic undertone that was not seen in the 1980s or 2000s, leading to such films as "Seven", "Dark City", and the popularity of Tim Burton and David Fincher. This fit in that trend easily and possibly propelled it. The follow-up, "Nowhere", similarly fit in, catching the tail end. (The trend essentially died with "The Matrix".)

I'd love to post a lengthy dissection of this film, but to be quite honest, it doesn't deserve the bytes. Simply horrible, this film fails on every level. The plot devices that are meant to be shocking, simply come off as silly. The characters (apparently meant to be angst-ridden and deep), instead come off as absurd, shallow, and plainly boring. Everything from the actor's line delivery to the plot itself inflicts excruciating pain on any audience that has even a shred of intelligence. Avoid this one if your IQ is in the double or triple digits.

I am a big fan of Gregg Araki's movies especially the trilogy this movie is a part of. My friends and I have even assembled our own little cult following for it. It is for sure a twisted and perverse movie but at the same time it has a message and funny all at the same time. I would only recommend this if you are into shocking, graphic commentary on our society and can stomach violence and sexual deviance. Now since the waring is out of the way I want to say i think this movie is genius and i love the WTF? feeling you get after watching this and the other two movie in this series (Nowhere and Totally F***ed Up). If you do watch this movie and don't like it the first time I suggest you watch it again, i promise after the initial shock you will see the art behind it all.

This is the best film I have ever seen McGowan in. The acting is superb and the script is quite well written. The plot finds a couple teenagers doing the usual rebel without a cause thing, but the trouble they manage to get themselves into and then extricate themselves from makes for a fast paced and very watchable film. I love Rose McGowan, I think shes one of the most talented young actresses in Hollywood today, but a lot of her work is somewhat disappointing. She can obviously act, but ends up in awful cheese flicks like "Jawbreaker". Hopefully, in the future, she will be considered for a greater variety of parts, as she does have the tools.

TO EVERYONE WHO READS THIS STAY AWAY FROM THIS MOVIE. The acting wasn't good, there was no plot, and it was pretty gross. I was told it was supposed to be about a bunch of teenagers' ride through hell, unfortunately this is how the viewer feels.

This is definitely one for the Rose McGowan (Grindhouse, The Black Dahlia) fans. She is in various stages of undress throughout the entire movie.

She and her boyfriend James Duval (Donnie Darko) take a trip and pick up a passenger Johnathon Schaech (8MM 2) that definitely has a dark side. McGowan alternates between the two of them when Schaech is not blowing someone's head off. The talking head in the platter of chili cheese dogs is a must-see.

The film is definitely different. I detected a strong undercurrent of bisexuality throughout, and the ending may be hard for some to take, but this is definitely the most you will ever see of McGowan.

I don't object to the sex or violence, or even the characters' reactions to the situations they find themselves in. What bothers me is I get the sense that the story(?) is secondary to Araki's attempt to have The Doom Generation create the same iconic cultural buzz that Pulp Fiction did the year previous. It's obvious so much time and energy was spent perfecting the crazy/sexy/cool look and feel of the movie, that the story, acting and the (cringe-inducing)dialog were duly sacrificed to achieve some kind of pop culture statement. The problem is that Araki's commentary on the younger generation was so exaggerated and trite it turned me right off and muted any semblance of plot or characterization that remained. Araki comes off like someone who has very little inherit understanding of the generation he's trying to be the mouthpiece for. Xavier licks ejaculate off of his hand, but the only reason why it exists is to 'freak out the hetero squares'. The film bursts at the seams with content that exists only to shock. The trouble is, it has a hard time even doing that.

The truly sad thing is, this movie was not without potential. The premise was interesting, the look was good, but if we were given just one more good element, it might have been a watchable film. As it stands, the movie spins its wheels in the mud -- making a lot of commotion, but ultimately never going anywhere. The dialog, I'm convinced, was written solely with the purpose that at least one of the put-downs or sarcastic comebacks would somehow become a popular catchphrase amongst the hip gen-x crowd. Same with the 666 thing. That kind of gimmickry might accentuate a good film, but it also makes a bad film worse, because it comes across as pretentious and self-serving.

As a film about the generation of which I'm a member (I was nineteen when this came out), I don't know if I should feel insulted or embarrassed for Araki. One thing's for sure, he should be embarrassed about making this sleazy schlock.